IN THEIR first official practice match of the pre-season, the Blues have fallen to a 70-point defeat at the MCG against last season's Grand Finalists, Melbourne.
The fast-starting Demons set up the win with a dominant first quarter, booting six majors and holding the Blues goalless in the process.
With a flurry of Melbourne forward 50 entries, Mua Laloifi was lively in defence and Kerryn Peterson was customarily solid, putting her body on the line and providing a steady head under pressure.
Facing a daunting deficit at the first break, Carlton wrestled back momentum to neutralise the contest and begin winning ball of their own – led in the middle by Abbie McKay and Mimi Hill.
Keeley Sherar reaped reward for effort, slotting a beautiful goal from the Great Southern Stand pocket. But despite dominating possession, it would be the Blues' only major for the quarter.
Swinging through changes at the half to account for near full-squad representation, the Blues raised the pressure to another level, with outstanding tackling from Imogen Milford and Jess Dal Pos.
Phoebe McWilliams provided a solid target in her first official hitout in Navy Blue, while Amelia Velardo looked dangerous with ball in hand.
Darcy Vescio hit the scoreboard on the hallowed turf, with the Blues outscoring the Demons in the middle quarters, however they were ultimately faced with a mountain too far to climb.
The Demons bookended their afternoon with a dominant final quarter to secure a comfortable victory.
Match summary:
CARLTON 0.1 1.3 2.4 2.4 (16)
MELBOURNE 6.2 6.3 7.5 13.8 (86)
GOALS
Carlton: Sherar, Vescio
